Method, device, and system for hanging an item

ABSTRACT

A device for hanging items on a conventional stemware rack or other shelf unit that has a structure defining a track, slot, or hole through which the hanger can be inserted. The device includes a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member extending from the planar base member, and an downward extending hook member extending from the support member to form an L- or U-shape. 
     The device adapts to selectively slide on an existing stemware rack or set down through an opening in a support structure, thus converting the rack for dual use for both stemware and for hanging items.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims benefit under 35 USC Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/824,311 filed on 2013-05-16 by the common inventor named above. The present application is based on and claims priority from this application, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, methods, devices, and their improvement used to hang items having a handle. The present invention relates to re-purposing an existing rack or shelf that includes at least two parallel members with a gap between them, such as a stemware rack or wire-form utility shelf. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices used to re-purpose existing ceiling-mounted or under counter-mounted glass racks, bar racks, stemware racks and the like for hanging items that have a handle, such as coffee mugs.

BACKGROUND

Hanging items from the ceiling is a well-studied art. Improvements on a simple hook are plentiful, and with many specialized uses studied, there is a myriad of improvements that attempt to provide a unique solution for the problem under study.

Certain prior-art devices are designed to be fixably mounted to a ceiling, or other similar surface, so items may be suspended from a downward extending member that terminates in an upward bending U- or J-hook. One example of this approach is described by Hoop in U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,355, which issued on 1980-09-09. Hoop teaches a plate member having oppositely disposed flange-engaging elements thereon for selective engagement with the opposite edges of a ceiling channel member, and a hook member extending outwardly from the plate member.

However, it is not always advantageous to have a rigidly or fixably mounted hook. There are circumstances when adjustability of the hook on the ceiling is desired. Accordingly, there are many known prior-art systems that provide a suspended track mechanism and a hook device then mates to the track in a manner that enables the hook to slide in the track. One representative reference of such is the hanger disclosed by Toder in U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,415 issued on 2002-06-25. One limitation of Toder, and reflected in many prior art devices, is the requirement that the specific hanger be adapted to work on a unique slider fixture, which is adapted to accommodate the hanger.

In other situations it is preferred to have a hanger that is more universal in its use, so it can be adapted to common household surfaces, without requiring special fixtures to accommodate a hanger. One representative example of this approach includes the adjustable hook described by Lembke in U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,849 issued on 2012-06-05. Lembke teaches an adjustable hook with a rotating hook secured to a locking plate within a housing. The rotating hook is adapted to move within the housing allowing the orientation of the hook to be modified into a desired position, then locked in place.

Additionally, there is already a well-understood rack commonly used in many households, restaurants, bars, taverns, and other locations for suspending from a ceiling or other similar planar surface glass stemware, such as wine glasses, in an inverted position. Two parallel track members are mounted on a ceiling in such a way that the base of a stemmed glass can slide onto the track and the wineglass can thereby be suspended in an inverted position. While these racks work extremely well for stemmed glasses, the do not address a need to hang glasses that have handles—such as coffee mugs or beer steins, for example.

However, the aforementioned known art is ill suited to adapt to use the existing bar rack and convert it to use as a mug rack and at the same time have dual use whereby a mug and a stemmed glass can be suspended from the same rack at the same time. Accordingly, there remains a need for a hook-type device that can arrange in existing wine-glass racks to enable handled items, such as coffee mugs and beer steins, to be hung from the ceiling, or under cupboard, or other similar surfaces.

One limitation of known hooks is that they cannot freely rotate 360-degrees around a vertical axis. This hinders their use as it is often desired to rotate items suspended by hooks to optimize storage, improve aesthetics, or otherwise improve use and function. Another limitation of existing hooks is the inability to readily adapt to hang handled items from existing devices that have at least two parallel tracks or member, such as a stemware rack or a wire-form utility shelf, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention arises from a need to both store and display coffee mugs as well as being able to rotate and adjust the storage of other hanging items. Existing locations for safely storing coffee mugs—i.e. in the cupboard—not only took up space but also prevented the display of the coffee mugs. Also, many homes have stemware racks that are under utilized. However, there is no device that handily enables one to convert a stemware rack to a coffee cup rack.

Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention consists of a planar disc or ring with a hook that protrudes perpendicularly from the center. The planar disk is sized to easily slide into the existing stemware rack, but also is of a large enough diameter to prevent the hook from falling out of the parallel members. This present invention is an adaptor apparatus that suspends an item with a handle from a stemware hanging rack or similar system. The ring or disc slides into the channel of the rack or sets down through a slot in the structure (the gap between two parallel members, for example) and the item with a loop or handle is hung from the hook.

In other preferred embodiments the present invention consists of a planar support structure that extends in two or more (horizontal) directions and is arranged generally perpendicular to a hanging (hook) member that extends vertically from the planar support. The planar support can configure in a myriad of shapes and sizes and need not be round (as shown in the figures), but could be almost any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, ovoid, hexagonal, octagonal, elliptical, star-shaped, etc.

The present invention adds a function to a stemware rack, as well as from the underside of a shelf, basket, bin, or crate and allows coffee mugs or other handled items to be displayed in an attractive manner that takes up less space than current mug storage devices.

One problem with existing cup hooks is that they require screwing a mechanical fastener into the wood of the cabinet. This damages the cabinets when screwed into the wood. Further, once in place, they are not easily adjustable or movable to a new location. Further, they also can be too small for coffee mug handles and really can't be used to suspend other handled objects (such as pots, pans, beer steins, and the like). Fixed mug holders that stand on the counter take up valuable counter space. Mug holders that slide onto cabinet shelves take up space on top of the shelf as well as the bottom and the hooks are not adjustable so you might not be able to use all the hooks provided depending on the size of your mugs. Other mug storage racks that mount to the bottom of a cabinet are also fixed in place so again, you might not be able to use all the hooks.

In one contemplated preferred embodiment the present invention is made from rigid, sturdy material so it will not flex under the weight of the item it is suspending. It can be made of metals including but not limited to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, silver, alloys etc. It can also be made from plastics, wood, recyclable or renewable resources and with or without decorative or useful coatings.

The present invention, further, is configured to allow the hook to rotate 360-degree around a vertical axis.

DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an offset frontal view of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an offset frontal view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an offset frontal view of a known bar rack of the prior art suspending a stemware glass of the known art.

FIG. 4 is an offset side view of the device of FIG. 1 in relation to a known bar rack.

FIG. 5 is an alternate view of FIG. 4 showing the present invention used to suspend a handled mug.

FIG. 6 is an offset frontal view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 having an alternate configuration.

FIG. 7 is an offset frontal view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an offset frontal view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an alternate view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, an offset frontal view, showing end caps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations and combinations of components may be substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate a device for hanging handled items on a conventional stemware rack. A conventional stemware rack includes at least one track, preferably several parallel tracks, and each track has at least two parallel members defining the track, which allows the base portion of conventional stemware to slide into the track so the stemware can be inserted in an inverted position. The preferred embodiments also are well-suited to work in the gap between two parallel members, such as two rungs of a wire-mesh utility shelf, or other similar structure common to baskets, shelving units, slats, crates, a grid made of wire, and the like—whether it be made from wood, metal, plastic, or other materials, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a conventional stemware rack 30 with one track consisting of two parallel members, a first member 32 and a second member 34. Such racks are typically mounted under the upper cabinet in household kitchens or above a surface in a restaurant or bar, for example.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention, accordingly, contemplate a device adapted to slide in the track of the conventional stemware rack 30. The device includes a hanger consisting of a generally planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track. A downward extending support member extends from the planar base member, and an upward extending hook member extends from the support member to form a U-shape. The hook member terminates in terminus.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 10 includes a generally planar and disc-shaped base member 12 having a thickness 14 and a top and bottom side. Extending from the bottom side of the base member, a support member 16 extends downward from a near-center point of the base member's bottom side. The support member then extends upward in a hook member 18 that, cooperating with the support member, forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then terminates at a terminus 20, which is adapted to prevent damage to the item to be hung on the hook and otherwise prevent a user from injury.

In this first preferred embodiment, the hanger 10 may be molded, or shaped from plastic or metal, or alloys. Each component may be made individually and then assembled or may be made in one integral piece.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 11 includes a generally planar and disc-shaped base member 12 formed by bending a wire into the desired configuration. Optionally, a stabilizing strut member 13 may be placed in this disk for added structural rigidity and stability (See, e.g. FIG. 6). Here, there is an open top and bottom. Extending from base member, a support member 16 extends downward from an edge of the base member. The support member then extends upward in a hook member 18 that, cooperating with the support member, forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then terminates at a terminus 20. The wire form hanger 11 may then be painted or coated with many different treatments to make it more aesthetically appealing and to protect the wire-form body from environmental damage.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the first preferred embodiment, the hanger 10, in relationship to a conventional stemware rack 30. Although these figure show hanger 10, it will be understood that the alternative embodiment, hanger 11, would work substantially the same. The hanger 10 slides by its base member 12 on the parallel track members 32 and 34. A U-shaped hook 18 supports a mug 40 by the handle 42. Although a mug, such as a coffee mug, is shown, any handled item or other item having a hole (whether it has a handle or not) through which the hook could engage could be suspended.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third contemplated preferred embodiment of a hanger device 70 according to the present invention. The hanger device 70 includes a locking mechanism or feature whereby the hanger may be secured in position on the rack 30 by twisting the hanger. The hanger 70 includes an upper disk member 72 and a lower disk member 74 with a cooperating linking member 78. The parallel tracks of the bar rack insert between the top disk 72 and bottom disk 74, then the entire hanger is twisted to lock the hanger in a fixed position on the track. This hanger 70 further includes stabilizing strut members 76 for added structural rigidity. The hanger includes a downward extending support member 80 projecting from the lower disk 74. The support member then extends upward in a hook member 82 that, cooperating with the support member, forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then terminates at a terminus 84. Other locking mechanisms are also contemplated, for example, the two disks may be separated by a spring. The lower disk may include a plunger mechanism that allows the user to pull the disk downward, away from the upper disk. The spring would pull the lower disk upward against the upper disk.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 includes end caps omitted from FIG. 8. More specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 show hanger device 100 for hanging items on a conventional stemware rack or through an opening in a shelf, basket, bin, crate, slats or grid. A typical stemware rack or other shelving unit includes at least two parallel members defining a track. The hanger device adapts to suspend from these support structures allowing hanging of items below that can rotate freely as desired in about 360-degrees around a vertical axis. Accordingly, the hanger device 100 includes a wireform body 102 formed from at least one continuous strand of wire. The wireform body having a first end 104 arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids and the plurality of concentric ovoids (or circles, or other shapes) arranged in one, common, horizontal plane. The wireform body 102 further has a second end 106 comprising an L-shaped hook member 108 arranged vertically and orthogonally from the horizontal plane. The L-shaped hook member 108 terminating in an upturned end 110. The upturned end arranges from 30-degrees from horizontal to 70 degrees from horizontal.

One particularly well-suited material for the wireform body 102 formed from one continuous strand of wire is a piece of wire-stock having an overall outside diameter of 0.162 inches and is a type 304×¼-inch hard stainless steel with a linear length of 15.5 inches before bending or wireforming.

The hanger device 100, in an alternative embodiment, can be made from a mild-steel having a powdercoated surface.

The hanger device 100 further includes capped ends consisting of a first cap coupled 112 to the first end 104 of the wireform body and a second cap 114 coupled to the to the upturned end 110. Each cap, respectively, is made from a vinyl material comprising 0.125-inches wide by 0.5-inches tall.

More particularly, the wireform body 102 consists of two concentric ovoids, a first outer ovoid 116 and a second inner ovoid 118.

A contemplated method of using the device of the fourth preferred embodiment includes hanging items from a wine glass rack or other shelf unit that includes wire-form shelves or some other similar structure that includes at least two parallel track-like members. This method contemplates adapting such a rack having two parallel tracks to hang items having a handle or other suitable structure such as a hole, which can be adapted for this intended use. The method comprises providing a hanger device comprising a wireform body formed from at least one continuous strand of wire, the wireform body comprising a first end arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids, the plurality of concentric ovoids arranged in one, common, horizontal plane, the wireform body further comprising a second end comprising an L-shaped hook member arranged vertically and orthogonally from the horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook member terminating in an upturned end; and suspending the plurality of concentric ovoids from the parallel tracks so that the L-shaped hook member extends downward from the tracks and downward from the plurality of concentric ovoids.

One contemplated embodiment of the present invention includes a system for hanging handled items comprising: a stemware rack comprising at least one track, the at least one track comprising a first and second parallel member; and a hanger comprising a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member extending from the planar base member, and an upward extending hook member extending from the support member to form a U-shape, the hook member terminating in terminus.

This system further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled to the first planar base member, whereby twisting the hanger causes locks the hanger relative to the track on the stemware rack.

One contemplated method of the present invention includes a method for hanging handled items comprising: providing a stemware rack comprising at least one track, the at least one track comprising a first and second parallel member; and providing a hanger comprising a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member extending from the planar base member, and an upward extending hook member extending from the support member to form a U-shape, the hook member terminating in terminus.

This method further comprises providing a locking mechanism comprising a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled to the first planar base member.

The aforementioned preferred embodiments may include features from any of the embodiments in combination with any other of the embodiments. Other locking mechanisms are also contemplated, including any such locking mechanism as generally understood in this art.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been discussed in the context of use with a stemware rack, as used, for example, in a kitchen or bar. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited in its use, but rather can be used to convert any existing parallel track rack item to hold handled items including tools, pots, pans, garden implements, or other similar items. For example, a string could be looped around a tool that did not have a handle—i.e. an automotive crescent wrench—and the looped string could then be supported by the hanger of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention could be used in many other environments and this disclosure should not be limiting, but rather illustrative.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. And, although claims are not required, I claim at least: 

I claim:
 1. A hanger device for hanging handled items on a conventional stemware rack having at least two parallel members defining a track, the hanger device comprising: a wireform body formed from at least one continuous strand of wire, the wireform body comprising a first end arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids, the plurality of concentric ovoids arranged in one, common, horizontal plane, the wireform body further comprising a second end comprising an L-shaped hook member arranged vertically and orthogonally from the horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook member terminating in an upturned end.
 2. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: The at least one continuous strand of wire comprises an overall outside diameter of 0.162 and a type 304×¼-inch hard stainless steel.
 3. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the wireform body comprises a linear length of 15.5 inches.
 4. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the wireform body comprises a mild steel having a powdercoated surface.
 5. The hanger device of claim 1 further comprising: a first cap coupled to the first end of the wireform body and a second cap coupled to the to the upturned end.
 6. The hanger device of claim 5 wherein: the first cap and the second cap each respectively comprise a vinyl material comprising 0.125-inches wide by 0.5-inches tall.
 7. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the plurality of concentric ovoids consists of a first outer ovoid and a second inner ovoid.
 8. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the upturned end arranges from 30-degrees from horizontal to 70 degrees from horizontal.
 9. A device for hanging handled items on a conventional stemware rack having at least two parallel members defining a track, the device comprising: a hanger comprising a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track; a downward extending support member extending from the planar base member; and an upward extending hook member extending from the support member to form a U-shape, the hook member terminating in terminus.
 10. The device of claim 9 further comprising: a locking mechanism comprising a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled to the first planar base member.
 11. A method for adapting a rack having two parallel tracks to hang items having a handle, the method comprising: providing a hanger device comprising a wireform body formed from at least one continuous strand of wire, the wireform body comprising a first end arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids, the plurality of concentric ovoids arranged in one, common, horizontal plane, the wireform body further comprising a second end comprising an L-shaped hook member arranged vertically and orthogonally from the horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook member terminating in an upturned end; and suspending the plurality of concentric ovoids from the parallel tracks so that the L-shaped hook member extends downward from the tracks and downward from the plurality of concentric ovoids. 